Sunday, January 23, 2011

True Grit by Charles Portis

I like this book because I like the gritty, lawlessness environment that reminds of Cormac McCarthy. Mattie is determined, as she evolves from a girl simply wanting to avenge her father's death into a force who possesses the true grit she seeks.

I wish that Portis gave more strength to Mattie, like the Coen brothers do. Mattie of the book is slightly weaker and less confident. Mattie of the film is more appealing for me.

The novel is simple and straightforward. It plays no tricks. It tells the story, with no frills.